March 2011

How do we make people see the common thread in different struggles for justice and inspire them to enter a new frontier altogether? Only storytelling at its best:
The Wired for Change campaign video links racial justice, climate justice, human rights, and the emerging campaign for digital democracy as part of one broad movement "bending the arc" toward justice. A marvelous model for visual advocacy: solid story structure, captivating animation, and an inspiring call to action.

As I write this, my eyes are swollen from crying. It's not that I'm not accustomed to the news. Taxi drivers shot. Kids bullied. Gurdwaras set on fire. And the routine "hey Osama" on the street. For ten years, I've documented hate against Sikh Americans, as well as Muslim, Arab, and other South Asian Americans. I was twenty when I began this work a few days after 9/11. Now I'm thirty. I didn't know I would be doing it for ten years.
But that's not why I broke

Two elderly Sikh men, who wore turbans and beards, were gunned down in Elk Grove, CA during their daily afternoon walk. Hate is not the confirmed motivation but likely, according to officials. This news comes in a time when anti-Muslim rhetoric is once again reaching a fevered pitch. A few weeks ago, protesters screamed "terrorists" at Muslim children walking to a charity fundraiser. Last week, Tennessee legislators proposed a bill that would essentially criminalize Islam in the state. Last year, following the Park51 firestorm, mosques in Tennessee,

Here is Salon's article giving voice to a mother who walked past screaming protesters at the recent anti-Muslim protest in Orange County:
By now, there's a good chance you've seen a video rocketing around the Web of anti-Muslim protesters screaming at families entering an Islamic charity event in Orange County last month. One of the most striking parts of the scene is protesters continuing to shout "go home" and "Muhammed was a pervert!" even as young children walk by with their parents. (Watch it below.)
On Thursday night, I

Watch this video. Fear and hate for Muslim Americans on full display at a protest against a charity fundraiser in Yorba Linda, California. Children walk past as protesters scream "TERRORIST" and "REMEMBER 9/11."
I have a lump in my throat, but now is the time to speak, even if our voice trembles. The ten-year anniversary of 9/11 this year will invite more of this into the public square and our national discourse. Will we be ready to respond with smart, compassionate and courageous action? If you want to

About Valarie

Valarie Kaur is a seasoned civil rights activist, award-winning filmmaker, lawyer, faith leader, and founder of The Revolutionary Love Project. She harnesses love as a shared practice to fight for social justice. She believes “the way we make change is just as important as the change we make.”

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